There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of banana loaf fresh out of the oven, especially when it’s made vegan! This vegan banana loaf recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with wholesome plant-based ingredients.
Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread, this recipe delivers moistness, flavor, and a tender crumb without any animal products.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and simple mixing techniques. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf brings cozy vibes and a burst of banana goodness to your table.
So grab your bananas, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan banana loaf is a must-try because it’s:
- Moist and tender: Thanks to the ripe bananas and plant-based fats, every bite melts in your mouth.
- Simple and quick: No complicated steps or weird ingredients—just easy-to-find staples.
- Allergy-friendly: It’s free from eggs, dairy, and refined sugars (if you choose), making it suitable for many diets.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness: The bananas provide natural sugar, so you can reduce added sweeteners.
For more easy vegan baking inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try some creative ideas in the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a less refined option)
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Fork or potato masher
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven thermometer (recommended for accuracy)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the vegetable oil, brown sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the loaf dense.
- Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips evenly through the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
“For best results, use bananas with lots of brown spots—they’re sweeter and easier to mash!”
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
- Try swapping brown sugar for maple syrup or agave nectar, but reduce the plant-based milk slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
- Mix in shredded coconut or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra texture.
- For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and increase sugar to 1 cup.
- If you want a healthier fat alternative, try using unsweetened applesauce in place of oil (use 1/3 cup applesauce).
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Carbohydrates | 34 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 15 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan banana loaf is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it warm with a smear of vegan butter or your favorite nut butter for a nourishing breakfast or snack.
For a decadent twist, drizzle with a little maple syrup or top with fresh berries and coconut whipped cream. It also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Looking for more plant-based treats? Try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or explore savory options like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for wholesome meals that complement your sweet treats.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this vegan banana loaf recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a plant-based twist. It’s simple, delicious, and packed with natural flavors that shine through every bite.
Plus, it’s adaptable to suit your dietary preferences and creativity in the kitchen. The moist texture and balanced sweetness make it an excellent choice for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet and wholesome.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins or serving ideas to make it your own. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more vegan delights like our Vegan Soft Serve Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious Idea for a refreshing treat.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Banana Loaf
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan banana loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with ripe bananas and simple plant-based ingredients.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 30 g
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